Tao Okamoto Call it the bowl cut that launched a career. When the Tokyo-born Tao Okamoto hit the New York scene two years ago, she created quite a first impression. Not only did she open the 3.1 Phillip Lim show, the designer decided that every model in the show should sport the same look. “It was amazing,” remembers Okamoto. “I thought he was joking when he first told me.” Okamoto’s meteoric rise is no laughing matter, however. Now firmly ensconced on the international modeling scene, she’s been photographed by the likes of Mert & Marcus and Steven Meisel for Allure, W and multiple editions of Vogue (Vogue Nippon devoted an entire issue to her.) Since the infamous hair style, Okamoto’s look has evolved—currently, she’s sporting a cropped boy cut—and she remains as in demand as ever. And if things go according to plan, you just might see her name up in lights. A Broadway buff (her favorite shows are Wicked and Hairspray) who studied singing in college, Okamoto is already thinking about the next stage of her career. “I would love to do something with music,” she beams.

Ming Xi Born in Shanghai, 22-year-old Ming was studying fashion in her hometown when she was discovered. No wonder she’s gone on to become a favorite of designers such as Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci and Diane von Furstenberg, booking on average about 50 shows a season. She doesn’t have a beauty contract—yet—but not for lack of desire. “Those pictures always look so beautiful,” says Ming. “Usually in pictures you look cool,” she continues, putting air quotes around the word, “but not sweet and pretty. Shanghai girls love to be pretty.” Ming’s style is as kinetic as her hometown. “I don’t have a usual style,” she says. “I like to think of what character I want to be today. So one day I’m a rocker in a leather jacket and pants, the next I’m a schoolgirl in a short skirt.” Although she’s in Shanghai almost on a monthly basis—Peter Lindbergh, Hans Feurer and Lachlan Bailey have all shot her for Chinese Vogue—and she’s also worked with the likes of Mario Testino and Daniel Jackson, she’s taken to her new life with gusto. “I love New York,” she enthuses. “I feel more free when I’m here.”

Hyoni Kang Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Hyoni Kang may be known as a fashion plate in the West—she was the first Asian girl to win the Ford Supermodel of the World contest back in 2008 and she booked over 25 shows her first season in New York alone. But at home, she’s a veritable style icon. In addition to hosting a TV show, she also designs her own line of clothes with two friends (a stylist and photographer) which today are sold in their own boutique in Seoul, as well as Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and Singer 22 in the U.S. “I don’t have any personal time,” she laughs. “I’m always either modeling or working on my business.” Thus far, she’s clocked shoots with Steven Meisel, Jason Kibbler and Sebastian Kim, among others, and has been seen in Vogue, V and Dazed & Confused. Kang does lavish time on her skin, however, with an elaborate routine that’s common among Korean women. “I use a lot,” says the beauty, detailing a five-step regimen that consists of cleansing, eye cream, essence, lotion and cream. “I also take a multivitamin every day,” she adds. “I see a lot of women doing Botox as they get older. My opinion is that rather than waiting until you’re old, if you do the preventative from the start, you won’t have to take care of it.”

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In yet another fashion show shuffle, @elleryland is moving its show in sync with the Paris couture calendar — though the brand is still keeping one foot on the city’s ready-to-wear schedule. Their runway show in January will coincide with the launch of a new strategy: designing two main collections each year instead of four, which will then be released in four drops. “As we all know, the system needs to change. We need to show sooner to give time back to artisans and designers to do what they do best — create,” said founder Kym Ellery. #wwdnews #wwdfashion (📷: @kukukuba)

@maxmara’s classic 101801 coat was the cornerstone of its pre-fall 2018 collection. The design team expanded the traditional double-breasted, kimono-sleeved style into a trapeze coat, lean belted styles and a peacoat and presented them in monochromatic looks – like the camel one pictured here. #wwdfashion #prefall18 (📷: George Chinsee)

The @cfda has shifted the dates of #NYFW, with Men’s showing on February 5 through February 7, and Women’s will directly follow, running from February 8 through 14. The preliminary schedule will be released on the CFDA’s web site in the next few days, but Mark Beckham, VP of marketing for the CFDA, revealed that @rafsimons will be back to close the men’s-specific part of the week with a show on February 7 #wwdfashion (📷: Kelly Taub)

@ferragamo is introducing a new space dedicated to the development of women’s and men’s leather good samples. The laboratory, which is created eco-friendly materials and designed to reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing processes, will allow the company to expand its accessories offering through traditional artisanal approaches. #wwdfashion (📷: @aitorrosasphoto)

How does a “regular, degular, schmegular” girl from the Bronx, N.Y., become a Grammy-nominated artist with a certified platinum record in less than a year? Call it the @iamcardib come up. The 25-year-old has become a musical sensation, and the fashion world is taking note. “If I could describe her style I would say drama. She’s really into the dramatics,” says Cardi B’s stylist @kollincarter. See how Carter styles her bold and out there looks with the link in bio. #wwdfashion

“There is no formula. There is no guideline. I can watch Ted Talks all day, but there is no one who can advise me on exactly what it is I should be doing,” said @ronniefieg, CEO of @kith, in an interview with WWD’s @ariahughes at the brand’s new SoHo office in Manhattan. Head to WWD.com to see how Fieg went from hanging out in shoe stockrooms at 13 to building his own business. #wwdfashion (📷: @weston.wells)

@fearofgod and @maxfieldla have teamed up on a pop-up installation. The store, located in the gallery space across from Maxfield’s Melrose Ave location, is the site of the brand’s House of God pop-up in which Fear of God founder @jerrylorenzo has created a church-inspired installation. A dozen vintage church pews sit in front of an LED screen playing 90s gospel singers in an effort to re-create an environment akin to a Southern Baptist Church, Lorenzo explained. Read more about the pop-up on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: Jennifer Johnson)

Known for his sleek, sophisticated American glamour, Norman Norell is the subject of an upcoming exhibition at @fitnyc. “Norell: Dean of American Fashion,” which runs from February 9 through April 14, will feature approximately 100 ensembles and accessories. His best work is exemplified by the designer’s glittering “mermaid” gowns frosted with thousands of hand-sewn sequins – like the one pictured. (📷: William Helburn) #wwdfashion

For pre-fall 2018, @balmain didn’t let go of the glitz. A crystal embroidered baseball jacket priced at around $40,000 hangs in the “couture” section of the brand’s first men’s pre-collection. Sporting the words “Balmain Army” across the back, the item took around two months to make. “When it was completed, it was like Christmas, it was like, ‘It’s done, it’s exactly what I wanted,’” said Balmain’s creative director @olivier_rousteing during a tour of the collection in a Paris showroom on Monday. #wwdfashion